When I was originally posting on the Class of 2016 Facebook group, I wasn’t planning on looking for a roommate. I wanted to let fate decide where and with whom I would live. After having a wonderful year with my great friend, David Stark, as my roommate, I’m glad that I didn’t make that choice.
I’m not saying that it’s bad to let fate decide, but I’ve definitely heard some horror stories. On the other hand, I know people who have become great friends who probably wouldn’t have been otherwise, had they not been randomly chosen. But, what leads to a successful roommate relationship?
I think that the most important quality that you should be looking for as you conduct your search for “the perfect roommate” is . . . RESPECT. In the end, it doesn’t matter if you both love Lord of the Rings, or both go to sleep at the same time. If your roommate won’t respect you when you tell him/her that you have a test tomorrow and you don’t want people in the room, then those similar interests are trivial.
David and I are different people with different interests and lifestyles, but when I text him and tell him I’m going to bed at eleven, he does his work in the library. When I wake up at 7:30 and he’s dead asleep, I am as quiet as possible. We have mutual respect for each other and knowing that, we can approach each other with our concerns.
On top of this, I feel that our differences have helped us both to grow throughout this year. I’ve learned a lot of things I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t decided to room with David. He has taught me about Jewish culture, world news, music, and life. Not to mention all of the ideas that we've bounced off each other.
Good luck with your search for roommates and I hope you take my words to heart. I definitely recommend that you not only talk to potential roommates via text but Skype/video chat with them. People’s mannerisms shine through audio but not necessarily through text.
Here’s a photo of David and me:
